"Nursing 1-2-1" giving unique jump start to high school students wanting careers in nursing

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In an effort to proactively meet the regional demand for additional bachelor’s prepared nurses, Mount Mary University and Milwaukee Area Technical College have joined forces to create a unique “Nursing 1-2-1” program.

This program gives high school graduates an opportunity to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing, licensure as a Registered Nurse and then seamlessly move to completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree within four years.

"So they can start working as an RN after their third year of their baccalaureate degree," declared Nancy Vrabec of Milwaukee Area Technical College."

By leveraging the skills and expertise of both institutions, the Nursing 1-2-1 program offers lower cost per credit than regional competitors offering similar degrees. Students take prerequisite and general studies courses in Year 1 of the program at Mount Mary; 2 years of study take place at MATC's Downtown Milwaukee campus to complete an Associate Degree in Nursing and licensure as a Registered Nurse; and 1 final year takes place at Mount Mary to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

"And what we've done is especially in the first year, support the nursing students by having customized programs where we have courses scheduled so they're able to have study group time, nursing boot camp course to introduce them to faculty and members of the community."

The program is open to high school graduates (women only) and students can begin the program starting in fall 2017. Students entering the Nursing 1-2-1 program can enjoy the full range of benefits associated with both Mount Mary and MATC, including the option of living on the Mount Mary campus.

It is expected that Wisconsin will be some 20,000 nurses short over the next handful of years.